Tonite at the CES, Bill Gates will unveil "Pocket PC" (the new Windows CE):
(from Raging Bull ragingbull.com
SCKT-related: Gates to unveil new Windows CE
Article from www.cnet.com (my highlighting regarding MSFT commitment to Windows
CE regardless what they call it):
Gates to unveil new Windows CE
By Stephanie Miles
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
January 4, 2000, 5:30 p.m. PT
Microsoft chief executive Bill Gates will unveil his firm's newest software for handhelds
during a keynote at a trade show tomorrow night, sources said, in one of the most visible
attempts at repositioning the faltering operating system.
Gates will demonstrate the long-awaited update to Windows CE in his speech at the
Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Code-named Rapier, sources close to the
company said the newest version of the scaled-down operating system will be launched
under a new name: Pocket PC.
Microsoft declined to comment.
Microsoft will also announce the latest version of Auto PC, sources said, the company's
technology to bring the Internet and multimedia entertainment to cars.
The announcements would be in step with the CEO's style, as he typically uses his
keynote speeches to unveil new technology. At last year's Comdex trade show, he
showed off the MSN Web Companion, a scaled-down device designed purely for Internet
use.
In addition to new features--such as the capability to read electronic books on the
palm-size devices and support for Windows Media Player--the launch of Pocket PC is
another example of the company's ongoing efforts to break the Windows CE losing
streak. Despite Microsoft's marketing heft and predictions that its arrival into the handheld
market would decimate rivals, Windows CE has failed to gain much momentum.
Since its release, users have complained about Windows CE's interface, and
manufacturers such as Philips, Everex and LG Electronics have discontinued their
devices. Overall sales of CE devices have been disappointing, garnering all Microsoft
manufacturers around 10 percent of the market, according to a recent report from
International Data Corp. (IDC). Meanwhile, rival Palm has maintained its near 70 percent
market share, worldwide, and gained attention with its high-profile licensees like Sony,
Nokia and Handspring.
But Microsoft has never faltered in its public or financial commitment to Windows
CE, seen as the company's best chance to lay the groundwork to profit from the
coming generation of wireless devices and services. Along those lines,
executives confirmed last month that Windows CE devices will be re-launched
this year under the moniker "Windows Powered," ostensibly playing up the
resemblance between Windows CE and the company's better-known desktop
operating systems. The Pocket PC name appears to be more of the same.
At CES, Microsoft is also expected to announce the availability of Microsoft Reader, an
electronic book application with the company's ClearType technology, for the Pocket PC.
The new Pocket PC devices will include the Windows Media Player for the first time, and
owners of existing handhelds with color displays from Casio, Hewlett-Packard and
Compaq will be able to download the player, as well, by February, sources said.
The updated OS reportedly fixes many of the usability issues that have plagued Windows
CE, such as cutting down on the number of steps needed to complete various tasks.
Expected to be announced as early as last summer, the launch of the new software was
rumored to be pushed back to appease manufacturer concerns about cannibalizing
sales.
In addition, sources said Microsoft will announce that the second version of Auto PC--the
specialized version of Windows CE for use in car computers--has been released to
manufacturers. Visteon, a new manufacturer, and Clarion will be demonstrating their Auto
PC systems at the trade show. The new systems will include larger displays, in-car
entertainment options like DVD players and video games from Sega's Dreamcast and
Nintendo and compatibility with popular cell phones.
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--- KAS eom. |
